The Pittsburgh Pirates Don’t Need Bullpen Games; They Have Options

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been facing challenges in finding a suitable fifth starter, which has led to subpar bullpen performances. Key rotation players Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft have been the team's top performers, with Carmen Mlodzinski and Mitch Keller initially occupying the other spots. However, Keller's injury and Mlodzinski's lackluster performance led to Keller being shut down and Mlodzinski returning to the bullpen, where he has struggled.

The Pirates' recent game against the Chicago White Sox exemplified this issue, requiring eight pitchers to complete a nine-inning game, with Brandon Eisert and Wilber Dotel being the only pitchers to throw at least two innings. The article emphasizes that the Pirates should not rely on bullpen games to get through games, as they have a wealth of starting pitching options available.

Both Wilber Dotel and Khristian Curtis have proven themselves as effective starters, with Dotel maintaining a 4.41 ERA and Curtis allowing only two earned runs over 11 innings. The Pirates also have prospect Connor Wietgrefe and Thomas Harrington available for potential calls in the bullpen or rotation. Giving these pitchers a chance before the end of the season not only helps alleviate the burden on the bullpen but also provides a pathway for any of these pitchers to become part of the Pirates' 2027 roster, should the end-of-season window not be ideal for a new signing.